Visit as a Tourist, Return as a Conservationist at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
An Abode Located In The Middle of Lush Greenery
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is a charming retreat enveloped by the scent of lemongrass and surrounded by tall bamboo and fruit trees. This eco-friendly lodge, built by the renowned Sankhala family of conservationists, features 18 rooms that blend with the natural environment. Located just off Tala main road in Bandhavgarh, it offers an escape from city life with a focus on sustainability.
The lodge's architecture is inspired by traditional village homes. It boasts sloping baked-earth roofs, indigenous furnishings and tribal art, reflecting the region's rich heritage. Each room opens to sunlit gardens or forest views, providing a cosy, rustic ambience.
Unique Activities
Tour the Medicinal Garden
Discover the carefully curated medicinal garden located on the grounds of the lodge. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you will be introduced to the many indigenous trees and plants renowned for their immunity-boosting properties. And you can also sample delicious recipes infused with these beneficial ingredients, enhancing your well-being.
Understand the world of medicinal herbs and plants as you explore the garden and extend your knowledge with the extensive collection of books available in the lodge's library, fostering a deeper connection to nature. This enriching experience weaves education into your vacation in a fun way.
Join a Safari
Known for its vast biodiversity, Bandhavgarh jungles are home to over 40 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies. You can see many of these wonderful creatures on a safari ride. You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable naturalists, whose expertise and passion for the jungle ensure every moment is filled with excitement and discovery.
Furthermore, the safari jeeps are equipped with books and binoculars for maximum learning opportunities. So while you look for the majestic tiger, elusive leopards or graceful deer in their natural habitat, you also learn more about the wilderness.
Lodging
Sleep in Cosy Forest Cottages
Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge offers a cosy retreat with 18 rooms; including 14 charming cottages and four rooms in a separate villa. The architecture is inspired by traditional village homes and celebrates the region's rich heritage. Each room faces sun-kissed gardens or the forest, perfectly embodying the adage 'bringing the outside, inside.'
You enjoy comfortable beds with handpicked linens, homey décor and well-furnished balconies ideal for sipping a hot cuppa amidst the forest. Rooms are equipped with writing tables, adequate lighting and attached bathrooms with 24/7 hot and cold water, along with room service, ensuring a warm and cosy stay.
Dining
Savour Local Dishes Amidst Nature
Here’s your chance to try out local recipes and international favourites, with thematic meals rotating between 'street food', 'local', 'continental' and 'world cuisine' - all with a commitment to farm-to-table dining.
Dine in style in the spacious yet intimate dining area. Relax on the verandah, bathed in the morning sunlight streaming through the sal tree foliage, while savouring a delicious breakfast. With a seating capacity of 40, the dining area offers privacy and comfort, creating the ideal ambience. Additionally, the verandah provides a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy your meals amidst nature's beauty.
Meet the People
At the core of the Sankhala family's endeavours lies a profound legacy of wildlife passion. Kailash Sankhala's deep-rooted love for nature was instilled in his son, Pradeep Sankhala, who revolutionised wildlife tourism by merging it with conservation efforts. Through pioneering ecotourism in Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge in 1992, Pradeep crafted a new narrative, where jungle experiences were coupled with environmental stewardship.
This legacy now thrives in the hands of the third generation, Amit Sankhala, who, alongside his team, navigates modern challenges like habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts through initiatives like the Tiger Trust, while championing responsible tourism that empowers local communities.
Sustainability Story
The story of Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is inseparable from India's tiger conservation journey, ignited by founder - Kailash Sankhala. His tireless advocacy, from exposing rampant tiger hunting to leading the nation's first tiger census and founding Project Tiger, shaped the trajectory of tiger conservation.
The establishment of Tiger Trust in 1989 further solidified the family's commitment to wildlife preservation. Central to this legacy is the belief in education and experience. Every guest becomes a conservationist through wildlife encounters and insightful guidance from lodge staff and naturalists. This is looked at as a transformative journey towards conservation consciousness for all who visit.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge
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